Aims: As climate change related rainfall and temperature variability is being increasingly experi... more Aims: As climate change related rainfall and temperature variability is being increasingly experienced in the SAT regions, we assessed climate change mitigation and adaptation potential of Conservation Agriculture (CA) by studying effects of minimum tillage (MT) and residue management practices on rain water use efficiency (RWUE), soil moisture, runoff, energy use and carbon dioxide emission in two maize-legume cropping systems. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with four replications. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) farm, Patancheru, Telangana, India during 2010-11 and 2011-12. Methodology: RWUE was calculated as maize equivalent yield divided by rainfall received during the crop season. Integrated digital runoff and soil loss monitoring unit (IDRSMU) was used to measure runoff. Soil moisture content was measured using the gravimetric method (0-30 cm depth) and neutron probe (60-90 cm depth). The soil organic carbon was analyzed following the Walkley-Black method [1]. The diesel consumption in MT and conventional tillage (CT) was estimated following Downs and Hansen (http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs) and emission of CO 2 was estimated according to EPA, 2009 [2]. Results: Tillage and residue management practices did not show significant effect on RWUE 325 except; CT having significantly higher RWUE over MT during 2011-12. Effect of cropping systems on RWUE was significant but variable during the two years of study. MT-RT (minimum tillage-residue retained) reduced total seasonal runoff by 28.62% and 80.22% compared to CT-RR (conventional tillage-residue removed) in 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively. Similarly, MT-RT reduced rainwater loss and peak rate of runoff compared to CT-RR in both the years of study. During 2010, MT-RT had higher total soil moisture (v/v) in the 0-90 cm soil depth in sole as well as intercropped maize compared to CT-RR, however, during 2011 MT-RT had higher total soil moisture in sole maize only. As compared to CT, even though, MT improved SOC in 0-15 cm depth but lowered slightly in 15-30 cm depth. RT (residue retained) improved SOC in 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths compared to residue removal (RR). MT-RT had higher or equal SOC in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depths compared to CT-RR in both the maize-legume cropping systems. MT saved energy corresponding to 41.49 l of diesel per hectare annually compared to CT. Similarly, MT emitted 110.79 kg less CO 2 annually on per hectare basis compared to CT due to reduced diesel use. Conclusion: CA, when adopted by following good agricultural practices and refined to suit the local conditions, could emerge as sustainable production system for climate change mitigation and adaptation of dryland cropping systems in semi-arid tropics of southern India.
A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricult... more A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during rabi 2011-12 to study the real time nitrogen management using leaf colour chart (LCC) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Treatments were; fixed time N application (60 kg N ha-1 at 25 DAS), 60 kg N ha-1 at LCC 3, 60 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 3, 40 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 3, 60 kg N ha-1 at LCC 4, 60 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 4, 40 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 4, 60 kg N ha-1 at LCC 5, 60 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 5 and 40 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 5. Basal dose of 60 kg N ha-1 was applied in all the treatments. Top dressing of 60 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 4 and 5 significantly improved growth attributes, chlorophyll content, yield attributes, grain and straw yield, and economic returns over fixed time application of 60 kg N ha-1 at 25 DAS.
A field experiment was conducted during summer 2013 on Instructional Farm of Junagadh Agricultura... more A field experiment was conducted during summer 2013 on Instructional Farm of Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, to evaluate the effect of micro-nutrients and bio-fertilisers on morpho-physiological parameters and productivity of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) variety GJG-31. Combined application of Rhizobium, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), zinc sulphate and molybdenum was associated with the maximization of morpho-physiological parameters i.e., number of leaves per plant, number of branches, plant height (cm), root length (cm), germination percentage, crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and chlorophyll content (SPAD); yield attributing characters like number of pods plant-1 , shelling per cent (%) and 100-kernel weight; pod yield; haulm yield; oil content; and harvest index of groundnut.
A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 on Vertisols ... more A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 on Vertisols at Junagadh, Gujarat to study the effects of pre-and post-emergence herbicides, alone or integrated with manual/mechanical weeding on weed pressure, productivity and economic returns of kharif groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Pendimethalin @ 0.9 kg/ha as pre-emergence (PE) + imazethapyr @ 75 g/ha as post-emergence (PoE) herbicides 20 days after sowing (DAS) resulted in significantly higher growth attributes, yield attributes and yield, quality parameters, and net returns over the unweeded control, and was found at par with hand-weeding and inter-culturing at 20 and 40 DAS, and pendimethalin @ 0.9 kg/ha as pre-emergence + hand-weeding and inter-culturing at 40 DAS. However, significantly highest NPK in soil after crop harvest was recorded with oxadiargyl @ 90 g/ha as PoE at 20 DAS + hand-weeding and inter-culturing at 40 DAS.
Aims: As climate change related rainfall and temperature variability is being increasingly experi... more Aims: As climate change related rainfall and temperature variability is being increasingly experienced in the SAT regions, we assessed climate change mitigation and adaptation potential of Conservation Agriculture (CA) by studying effects of minimum tillage (MT) and residue management practices on rain water use efficiency (RWUE), soil moisture, runoff, energy use and carbon dioxide emission in two maize-legume cropping systems. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with four replications. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) farm, Patancheru, Telangana, India during 2010-11 and 2011-12. Methodology: RWUE was calculated as maize equivalent yield divided by rainfall received during the crop season. Integrated digital runoff and soil loss monitoring unit (IDRSMU) was used to measure runoff. Soil moisture content was measured using the gravimetric method (0-30 cm depth) and neutron probe (60-90 cm depth). The soil organic carbon was analyzed following the Walkley-Black method [1]. The diesel consumption in MT and conventional tillage (CT) was estimated following Downs and Hansen (http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs) and emission of CO 2 was estimated according to EPA, 2009 [2]. Results: Tillage and residue management practices did not show significant effect on RWUE BJECC, 5(4): 324-338, 2015; Article no.BJECC.2015.023 325 except; CT having significantly higher RWUE over MT during 2011-12. Effect of cropping systems on RWUE was significant but variable during the two years of study. MT-RT (minimum tillageresidue retained) reduced total seasonal runoff by 28.62% and 80.22% compared to CT-RR (conventional tillage-residue removed) in 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively. Similarly, MT-RT reduced rainwater loss and peak rate of runoff compared to CT-RR in both the years of study. During 2010, MT-RT had higher total soil moisture (v/v) in the 0-90 cm soil depth in sole as well as intercropped maize compared to CT-RR, however, during 2011 MT-RT had higher total soil moisture in sole maize only. As compared to CT, even though, MT improved SOC in 0-15 cm depth but lowered slightly in 15-30 cm depth. RT (residue retained) improved SOC in 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths compared to residue removal (RR). MT-RT had higher or equal SOC in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depths compared to CT-RR in both the maize-legume cropping systems. MT saved energy corresponding to 41.49 l of diesel per hectare annually compared to CT. Similarly, MT emitted 110.79 kg less CO 2 annually on per hectare basis compared to CT due to reduced diesel use. Conclusion: CA, when adopted by following good agricultural practices and refined to suit the local conditions, could emerge as sustainable production system for climate change mitigation and adaptation of dryland cropping systems in semi-arid tropics of southern India.
A field experiment was conducted at College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultu... more A field experiment was conducted at College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during summer season of 2010 to evaluate the response of saline water irrigated pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) hybrids to land configuration and dates of sowing. Ridge and furrow method of sowing significantly improved growth attributes, yield attributes, yield (3.18 t/ha), nutrient uptake, IWUE and higher economic returns over flat bed method of sowing. Sowing on 05 February recorded significantly higher yield attributes, yield (3.24 t/ha), nutrient uptake, economic returns and IWUE compared to sowing on 25 January and 15 February. Pearlmillet hybrid GHB-538 registered significantly higher growth attributes, yield attributes, yield (3.33 t/ha), nutrient uptake, economic returns and IWUE over other hybrids.
This book is dedicated to the global Conservation Agriculture movement but particularly to all th... more This book is dedicated to the global Conservation Agriculture movement but particularly to all the pioneer farmers, researchers and extension agents as well as all the champions in the public, private and civil sectors and in the donor community who are making Conservation Agriculture a global reality.
A field experiment was conducted during 2008-09 and 2009-10 post-rainy seasons at Navsari, Gujara... more A field experiment was conducted during 2008-09 and 2009-10 post-rainy seasons at Navsari, Gujarat to evaluate the effects of land configuration, fertilizers and farm yard manure (FYM) application on productivity, water use efficiency, nutrient uptake, soil fertility status and the economics of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) cultivation. The raised bed method of planting was found superior as was evident from significant increase in growth and yield attributes, grain (0.93 t/ha) and stover yield (2.27 t/ha), irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptake, net returns ( 37.6 × 10 3 /ha) and B:C ratio (3.9) and decrease in plant mortality percent. Application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (20 kg/ha) and phosphorus (40 kg P 2 O 5 /ha) recorded significantly higher growth and yield attributes, grain and stover yield, IWUE, NPK uptake, available NPK in the soil, net returns and B:C ratio over the application of 75% of recommended dose of N and P. Similarly, the application of FYM at 5t/ha recorded statistically higher growth and yield attributes, grain and stover yield, IWUE, NPK uptake, available NPK in the soil after harvest, net returns and B:C ratio and decrease in plant mortality percent over no FYM application.
The article reviews and summarizes the climate
change mitigation and adaptation work undertaken
b... more The article reviews and summarizes the climate change mitigation and adaptation work undertaken by ICRISAT. The effects of climate change are already being experienced in several parts of the world. Even though the effects of climate change will be felt over all kinds of agricultural production systems, they will be more pronounced in dryland areas where agriculture is totally dependent on rainfall. Simulation output analyses reveal that crop yield will decrease due to climate change and variability in drylands, but this can be mitigated in large parts by the application of existing knowledge on crop, soil and water management, and by re-targeting and redeployment of the existing germplasms of the crops in the medium term (2010–2050). Integrated watershed management is an important tool to mitigate the climate change effects through soil conservation, improved water availability and other secondary benefits. Similarly, conservation agriculture practices under the integrated genetic and natural resources management strategy can help minimize the adverse effects of climate change on dryland agricultural productivity.
An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of weed management and plant nutrition practice... more An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of weed management and plant nutrition practices on weed biomass, growth parameters and bulb yield of onion (Allium cepa L.). Weed management practices included alone application of herbicides, viz. pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen and fluazipop-p-butyl, their combination with hand weeding, weed free and weedy check. The crop was fertilized with three levels viz., 75% RDF, RDF (100:50:50 NPK kg/ha) and 125% RDF. The results indicated that weed management and fertilizer levels had a significant effect on weed population dynamics and onion bulb crop. The total weed density decreased significantly with application of pendimethalin 1 kg/ha or oxyfluorfen 0.24 kg/ha + one hand weeding at 40 days after transplanting (DAT) during both the seasons of investigation. Echinochloa ssp., Trianthema portulacastrum, Digera arvensis Forsk. Physalis minima L. and Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. were found as major weeds in the crop. Higher onion bulb yield (38.0 t/ha) was recorded with pendimethalin 1 kg/ha + one hand weeding at 40 DAT. The increase in yield was 83.7% compared to the yield obtain in weedy check. Increasing level of fertilizer applications increased the total biomass of grassy and broad leaves weeds. Application of 125% RDF significantly improved bulb yield and increase in yield was 19.4 and 10.5 % over 75% RDF and RDF respectively. On the basis of interaction, combination of pendimethalin 1 kg/ha fb 1 hand weeding at 40 DAT and 100 % RDF was most productive (39.8 t/ha) and profitable (Net return `2,69,422/ha and benefit: cost ratio 7.85).
There is large number of sulphur(S) sources available in the country and their efficiency need to... more There is large number of sulphur(S) sources available in the country and their efficiency need to be evaluated.
In view of the meager information available on sulphur nutrition in a popular intercropping system of pigeonpea +
groundnut. A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2003 and 2004 to evaluate the response of pigeonpea
[Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] + groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) intercropping system to FYM and S fertilization. Application
of FYM at 5.0 t/ha significantly increased the yield and yield attributes, nutrient (NPK) uptake in
pigeonpea and groundnut, system productivity (1.71 t/ha), net returns (Rs 18,287) and available S in soil after harvest
(15.72 kg/ha). However, B: C ratio was higher with crop receiving no FYM. Intercropping failed to influence
the yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake in pigeonpea, however, system productivity, net income and B: C ratio
was higher in pigeonpea + groundnut system. The available soil S after harvest of crop(s) was lower in
pigeonpea + groundnut system (13.11 kg/ha) when compared with sole pigeonpea (17.06 kg/ha). Application of
sulphur at 35 and 70 kg/ ha, being on par, recorded significant increase in yield and nutrient uptake in pigeonpea
and groundnut, system productivity and total net income over no S. The available soil S after harvest of crop (s)
was higher with 70 kg S/ha. The S use efficiency indices were higher at lower i.e. 35 kg S/ha. Among the sources
of sulphur, cosavet recorded higher yield and yield attributes, nutrient uptake and S use efficiency. However, the
highest soil available S at harvest (19.34 kg/ha) was recorded with elemental S applied at 70 kg/ ha, while the
highest net income (Rs 20,431) and B: C ratio (2.0) were achieved with gypsum at 35 kg S/ha.
Continuous adoption of rice-rice cropping system has led to deterioration of soil quality resulti... more Continuous adoption of rice-rice cropping system has led to deterioration of soil quality resulting in a serious threat to its sustainability in high rainfall zone of South Gujarat, India. Therefore crop diversification with wider choice in the production of a variety of crops is being promoted to restore the soil quality. A field experiment was conducted at Navsari, India during 2003-2007 on heavy black soil to evaluate the production potential, sustainability, resource-use efficiency and economics of 10 cropping systems based on rice (Oryza sativa L.). System productivity of rice -fenugreek -okra was the highest (25.73 ton/ha) followed by rice-onioncowpea (24.15 ton/ha). Lowest System productivity was registered with rice-wheat-fallow system (7.85 ton/ha). Sustainable yield index (0.94), production efficiency (102.94 kg/ha/day), and field water use efficiency (32.99 kg/ha-cm) were maximum with rice -fenugreek -okra system. Similarly, net return (Rs 96286/ha), net return per rupee invested (Rs 2.84), and production efficiency (Rs 385.14 /ha/day) and field water use efficiency (Rs 1234.43/ha-cm) in economic terms was maximum with rice -fenugreek -okra cropping sequence. Thus rice -fenugreek -okra was the most productive, sustainable, resource-use efficient and remunerative cropping system followed by rice-onion-cowpea system.
The fertigation allows application of right amounts of plant nutrients uniformly to the wetted ro... more The fertigation allows application of right amounts of plant nutrients uniformly to the wetted root volume zone where most of the active roots are concentrated and this helps enhance NUE. Fertigation is considered eco-friendly as it controls leaching of nutrients especially nitrogen(N)-NO 3 . In fertigation the water soluble nutrients move with the wetting front and thus precise management of irrigation quantity along with the rate and timing of nutrient application are of critical importance to obtain desired results in terms of productivity and nutrient use efficiency. A review is made of the current literature on the use of fertigation covering various aspects of vegetable production including its advantages and constraints to its adoption especially at the practical agriculture level in India.
Aims: As climate change related rainfall and temperature variability is being increasingly experi... more Aims: As climate change related rainfall and temperature variability is being increasingly experienced in the SAT regions, we assessed climate change mitigation and adaptation potential of Conservation Agriculture (CA) by studying effects of minimum tillage (MT) and residue management practices on rain water use efficiency (RWUE), soil moisture, runoff, energy use and carbon dioxide emission in two maize-legume cropping systems. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with four replications. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) farm, Patancheru, Telangana, India during 2010-11 and 2011-12. Methodology: RWUE was calculated as maize equivalent yield divided by rainfall received during the crop season. Integrated digital runoff and soil loss monitoring unit (IDRSMU) was used to measure runoff. Soil moisture content was measured using the gravimetric method (0-30 cm depth) and neutron probe (60-90 cm depth). The soil organic carbon was analyzed following the Walkley-Black method [1]. The diesel consumption in MT and conventional tillage (CT) was estimated following Downs and Hansen (http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs) and emission of CO 2 was estimated according to EPA, 2009 [2]. Results: Tillage and residue management practices did not show significant effect on RWUE 325 except; CT having significantly higher RWUE over MT during 2011-12. Effect of cropping systems on RWUE was significant but variable during the two years of study. MT-RT (minimum tillage-residue retained) reduced total seasonal runoff by 28.62% and 80.22% compared to CT-RR (conventional tillage-residue removed) in 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively. Similarly, MT-RT reduced rainwater loss and peak rate of runoff compared to CT-RR in both the years of study. During 2010, MT-RT had higher total soil moisture (v/v) in the 0-90 cm soil depth in sole as well as intercropped maize compared to CT-RR, however, during 2011 MT-RT had higher total soil moisture in sole maize only. As compared to CT, even though, MT improved SOC in 0-15 cm depth but lowered slightly in 15-30 cm depth. RT (residue retained) improved SOC in 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths compared to residue removal (RR). MT-RT had higher or equal SOC in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depths compared to CT-RR in both the maize-legume cropping systems. MT saved energy corresponding to 41.49 l of diesel per hectare annually compared to CT. Similarly, MT emitted 110.79 kg less CO 2 annually on per hectare basis compared to CT due to reduced diesel use. Conclusion: CA, when adopted by following good agricultural practices and refined to suit the local conditions, could emerge as sustainable production system for climate change mitigation and adaptation of dryland cropping systems in semi-arid tropics of southern India.
A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricult... more A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during rabi 2011-12 to study the real time nitrogen management using leaf colour chart (LCC) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Treatments were; fixed time N application (60 kg N ha-1 at 25 DAS), 60 kg N ha-1 at LCC 3, 60 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 3, 40 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 3, 60 kg N ha-1 at LCC 4, 60 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 4, 40 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 4, 60 kg N ha-1 at LCC 5, 60 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 5 and 40 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 5. Basal dose of 60 kg N ha-1 was applied in all the treatments. Top dressing of 60 kg N ha-1 in two equal splits at LCC 4 and 5 significantly improved growth attributes, chlorophyll content, yield attributes, grain and straw yield, and economic returns over fixed time application of 60 kg N ha-1 at 25 DAS.
A field experiment was conducted during summer 2013 on Instructional Farm of Junagadh Agricultura... more A field experiment was conducted during summer 2013 on Instructional Farm of Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, to evaluate the effect of micro-nutrients and bio-fertilisers on morpho-physiological parameters and productivity of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) variety GJG-31. Combined application of Rhizobium, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), zinc sulphate and molybdenum was associated with the maximization of morpho-physiological parameters i.e., number of leaves per plant, number of branches, plant height (cm), root length (cm), germination percentage, crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and chlorophyll content (SPAD); yield attributing characters like number of pods plant-1 , shelling per cent (%) and 100-kernel weight; pod yield; haulm yield; oil content; and harvest index of groundnut.
A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 on Vertisols ... more A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 on Vertisols at Junagadh, Gujarat to study the effects of pre-and post-emergence herbicides, alone or integrated with manual/mechanical weeding on weed pressure, productivity and economic returns of kharif groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Pendimethalin @ 0.9 kg/ha as pre-emergence (PE) + imazethapyr @ 75 g/ha as post-emergence (PoE) herbicides 20 days after sowing (DAS) resulted in significantly higher growth attributes, yield attributes and yield, quality parameters, and net returns over the unweeded control, and was found at par with hand-weeding and inter-culturing at 20 and 40 DAS, and pendimethalin @ 0.9 kg/ha as pre-emergence + hand-weeding and inter-culturing at 40 DAS. However, significantly highest NPK in soil after crop harvest was recorded with oxadiargyl @ 90 g/ha as PoE at 20 DAS + hand-weeding and inter-culturing at 40 DAS.
Aims: As climate change related rainfall and temperature variability is being increasingly experi... more Aims: As climate change related rainfall and temperature variability is being increasingly experienced in the SAT regions, we assessed climate change mitigation and adaptation potential of Conservation Agriculture (CA) by studying effects of minimum tillage (MT) and residue management practices on rain water use efficiency (RWUE), soil moisture, runoff, energy use and carbon dioxide emission in two maize-legume cropping systems. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with four replications. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) farm, Patancheru, Telangana, India during 2010-11 and 2011-12. Methodology: RWUE was calculated as maize equivalent yield divided by rainfall received during the crop season. Integrated digital runoff and soil loss monitoring unit (IDRSMU) was used to measure runoff. Soil moisture content was measured using the gravimetric method (0-30 cm depth) and neutron probe (60-90 cm depth). The soil organic carbon was analyzed following the Walkley-Black method [1]. The diesel consumption in MT and conventional tillage (CT) was estimated following Downs and Hansen (http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs) and emission of CO 2 was estimated according to EPA, 2009 [2]. Results: Tillage and residue management practices did not show significant effect on RWUE BJECC, 5(4): 324-338, 2015; Article no.BJECC.2015.023 325 except; CT having significantly higher RWUE over MT during 2011-12. Effect of cropping systems on RWUE was significant but variable during the two years of study. MT-RT (minimum tillageresidue retained) reduced total seasonal runoff by 28.62% and 80.22% compared to CT-RR (conventional tillage-residue removed) in 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively. Similarly, MT-RT reduced rainwater loss and peak rate of runoff compared to CT-RR in both the years of study. During 2010, MT-RT had higher total soil moisture (v/v) in the 0-90 cm soil depth in sole as well as intercropped maize compared to CT-RR, however, during 2011 MT-RT had higher total soil moisture in sole maize only. As compared to CT, even though, MT improved SOC in 0-15 cm depth but lowered slightly in 15-30 cm depth. RT (residue retained) improved SOC in 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths compared to residue removal (RR). MT-RT had higher or equal SOC in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depths compared to CT-RR in both the maize-legume cropping systems. MT saved energy corresponding to 41.49 l of diesel per hectare annually compared to CT. Similarly, MT emitted 110.79 kg less CO 2 annually on per hectare basis compared to CT due to reduced diesel use. Conclusion: CA, when adopted by following good agricultural practices and refined to suit the local conditions, could emerge as sustainable production system for climate change mitigation and adaptation of dryland cropping systems in semi-arid tropics of southern India.
A field experiment was conducted at College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultu... more A field experiment was conducted at College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during summer season of 2010 to evaluate the response of saline water irrigated pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) hybrids to land configuration and dates of sowing. Ridge and furrow method of sowing significantly improved growth attributes, yield attributes, yield (3.18 t/ha), nutrient uptake, IWUE and higher economic returns over flat bed method of sowing. Sowing on 05 February recorded significantly higher yield attributes, yield (3.24 t/ha), nutrient uptake, economic returns and IWUE compared to sowing on 25 January and 15 February. Pearlmillet hybrid GHB-538 registered significantly higher growth attributes, yield attributes, yield (3.33 t/ha), nutrient uptake, economic returns and IWUE over other hybrids.
This book is dedicated to the global Conservation Agriculture movement but particularly to all th... more This book is dedicated to the global Conservation Agriculture movement but particularly to all the pioneer farmers, researchers and extension agents as well as all the champions in the public, private and civil sectors and in the donor community who are making Conservation Agriculture a global reality.
A field experiment was conducted during 2008-09 and 2009-10 post-rainy seasons at Navsari, Gujara... more A field experiment was conducted during 2008-09 and 2009-10 post-rainy seasons at Navsari, Gujarat to evaluate the effects of land configuration, fertilizers and farm yard manure (FYM) application on productivity, water use efficiency, nutrient uptake, soil fertility status and the economics of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) cultivation. The raised bed method of planting was found superior as was evident from significant increase in growth and yield attributes, grain (0.93 t/ha) and stover yield (2.27 t/ha), irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptake, net returns ( 37.6 × 10 3 /ha) and B:C ratio (3.9) and decrease in plant mortality percent. Application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (20 kg/ha) and phosphorus (40 kg P 2 O 5 /ha) recorded significantly higher growth and yield attributes, grain and stover yield, IWUE, NPK uptake, available NPK in the soil, net returns and B:C ratio over the application of 75% of recommended dose of N and P. Similarly, the application of FYM at 5t/ha recorded statistically higher growth and yield attributes, grain and stover yield, IWUE, NPK uptake, available NPK in the soil after harvest, net returns and B:C ratio and decrease in plant mortality percent over no FYM application.
The article reviews and summarizes the climate
change mitigation and adaptation work undertaken
b... more The article reviews and summarizes the climate change mitigation and adaptation work undertaken by ICRISAT. The effects of climate change are already being experienced in several parts of the world. Even though the effects of climate change will be felt over all kinds of agricultural production systems, they will be more pronounced in dryland areas where agriculture is totally dependent on rainfall. Simulation output analyses reveal that crop yield will decrease due to climate change and variability in drylands, but this can be mitigated in large parts by the application of existing knowledge on crop, soil and water management, and by re-targeting and redeployment of the existing germplasms of the crops in the medium term (2010–2050). Integrated watershed management is an important tool to mitigate the climate change effects through soil conservation, improved water availability and other secondary benefits. Similarly, conservation agriculture practices under the integrated genetic and natural resources management strategy can help minimize the adverse effects of climate change on dryland agricultural productivity.
An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of weed management and plant nutrition practice... more An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of weed management and plant nutrition practices on weed biomass, growth parameters and bulb yield of onion (Allium cepa L.). Weed management practices included alone application of herbicides, viz. pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen and fluazipop-p-butyl, their combination with hand weeding, weed free and weedy check. The crop was fertilized with three levels viz., 75% RDF, RDF (100:50:50 NPK kg/ha) and 125% RDF. The results indicated that weed management and fertilizer levels had a significant effect on weed population dynamics and onion bulb crop. The total weed density decreased significantly with application of pendimethalin 1 kg/ha or oxyfluorfen 0.24 kg/ha + one hand weeding at 40 days after transplanting (DAT) during both the seasons of investigation. Echinochloa ssp., Trianthema portulacastrum, Digera arvensis Forsk. Physalis minima L. and Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. were found as major weeds in the crop. Higher onion bulb yield (38.0 t/ha) was recorded with pendimethalin 1 kg/ha + one hand weeding at 40 DAT. The increase in yield was 83.7% compared to the yield obtain in weedy check. Increasing level of fertilizer applications increased the total biomass of grassy and broad leaves weeds. Application of 125% RDF significantly improved bulb yield and increase in yield was 19.4 and 10.5 % over 75% RDF and RDF respectively. On the basis of interaction, combination of pendimethalin 1 kg/ha fb 1 hand weeding at 40 DAT and 100 % RDF was most productive (39.8 t/ha) and profitable (Net return `2,69,422/ha and benefit: cost ratio 7.85).
There is large number of sulphur(S) sources available in the country and their efficiency need to... more There is large number of sulphur(S) sources available in the country and their efficiency need to be evaluated.
In view of the meager information available on sulphur nutrition in a popular intercropping system of pigeonpea +
groundnut. A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2003 and 2004 to evaluate the response of pigeonpea
[Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] + groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) intercropping system to FYM and S fertilization. Application
of FYM at 5.0 t/ha significantly increased the yield and yield attributes, nutrient (NPK) uptake in
pigeonpea and groundnut, system productivity (1.71 t/ha), net returns (Rs 18,287) and available S in soil after harvest
(15.72 kg/ha). However, B: C ratio was higher with crop receiving no FYM. Intercropping failed to influence
the yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake in pigeonpea, however, system productivity, net income and B: C ratio
was higher in pigeonpea + groundnut system. The available soil S after harvest of crop(s) was lower in
pigeonpea + groundnut system (13.11 kg/ha) when compared with sole pigeonpea (17.06 kg/ha). Application of
sulphur at 35 and 70 kg/ ha, being on par, recorded significant increase in yield and nutrient uptake in pigeonpea
and groundnut, system productivity and total net income over no S. The available soil S after harvest of crop (s)
was higher with 70 kg S/ha. The S use efficiency indices were higher at lower i.e. 35 kg S/ha. Among the sources
of sulphur, cosavet recorded higher yield and yield attributes, nutrient uptake and S use efficiency. However, the
highest soil available S at harvest (19.34 kg/ha) was recorded with elemental S applied at 70 kg/ ha, while the
highest net income (Rs 20,431) and B: C ratio (2.0) were achieved with gypsum at 35 kg S/ha.
Continuous adoption of rice-rice cropping system has led to deterioration of soil quality resulti... more Continuous adoption of rice-rice cropping system has led to deterioration of soil quality resulting in a serious threat to its sustainability in high rainfall zone of South Gujarat, India. Therefore crop diversification with wider choice in the production of a variety of crops is being promoted to restore the soil quality. A field experiment was conducted at Navsari, India during 2003-2007 on heavy black soil to evaluate the production potential, sustainability, resource-use efficiency and economics of 10 cropping systems based on rice (Oryza sativa L.). System productivity of rice -fenugreek -okra was the highest (25.73 ton/ha) followed by rice-onioncowpea (24.15 ton/ha). Lowest System productivity was registered with rice-wheat-fallow system (7.85 ton/ha). Sustainable yield index (0.94), production efficiency (102.94 kg/ha/day), and field water use efficiency (32.99 kg/ha-cm) were maximum with rice -fenugreek -okra system. Similarly, net return (Rs 96286/ha), net return per rupee invested (Rs 2.84), and production efficiency (Rs 385.14 /ha/day) and field water use efficiency (Rs 1234.43/ha-cm) in economic terms was maximum with rice -fenugreek -okra cropping sequence. Thus rice -fenugreek -okra was the most productive, sustainable, resource-use efficient and remunerative cropping system followed by rice-onion-cowpea system.
The fertigation allows application of right amounts of plant nutrients uniformly to the wetted ro... more The fertigation allows application of right amounts of plant nutrients uniformly to the wetted root volume zone where most of the active roots are concentrated and this helps enhance NUE. Fertigation is considered eco-friendly as it controls leaching of nutrients especially nitrogen(N)-NO 3 . In fertigation the water soluble nutrients move with the wetting front and thus precise management of irrigation quantity along with the rate and timing of nutrient application are of critical importance to obtain desired results in terms of productivity and nutrient use efficiency. A review is made of the current literature on the use of fertigation covering various aspects of vegetable production including its advantages and constraints to its adoption especially at the practical agriculture level in India.
o Geographical area of Karnataka: 19.0 m ha o Cultivated area : 12.18 m ha (63.99%) o Irrigated a... more o Geographical area of Karnataka: 19.0 m ha o Cultivated area : 12.18 m ha (63.99%) o Irrigated area: 3.13 m ha (25.69%) o Area under horticultural crops: 1.8 m ha (14.76%) o Karnataka ranks 5 th in area after MH,KL,AP and WB and 8 th in production after WB,UP,TN,MH,AP,BR and GJ of horticulture crops at India level. o Karnataka accounts for 8.08% of area and 5.58% of total production of horticulture crops at all India level . Source: DES, GOK Source: DOH, KN
In India, among the nine oilseed crops, groundnut ranks third in area and production (5.33 Mha an... more In India, among the nine oilseed crops, groundnut ranks third in area and production (5.33 Mha and 7.40 M tonnes) after soybean and rapeseed and mustard, but second in productivity (1374 kg/ha) next only to castor (average of 2010-11 to 2013-14, IIOR). However, productivity of groundnut in India is much lower when compared with USA (4537kg/ha), China (3573kg/ha) and world average (~1700 kg/ha). Cultivation of groundnut in less fertile soils under rainfed conditions, lack of proper management practices like non-adoption of good quality seed of varieties recommended for the region, optimum plant stand, plant nutrition, plant protection measures, harvest losses in heavy soils, less favourable climatic conditions etc. are among the major reasons for low yield of groundnut in India. Gujarat has largest area and production of groundnut in India, but yield levels are moderate mainly due to unsuitability of soil, and moisture deficit stress at different growing stages of crop. To exacerbate these effects, climatic variabilities are becoming increasingly conspicuous mainly in the form of unpredictable rain pattern and temperature regimes affecting groundnut yield in the country. This underlines the need to make available suitable technologies to the farmers to make production systems climate resilient. With the sincere efforts of scientists, technicians and field staff a number of technologies have been developed in the country which are helpful in minimizing the adverse impacts of climate variabilities on groundnut. Besides, farmers also follow innovative approaches based on their experiences and local conditions. There is need to bring together this important information and make available to farming community through all means of extension. With this objective, authors have attempted to bring together scattered pieces of knowledge on the subject in the form of this technical bulletin. Hope it will be useful to the farmers in their efforts for sustainable intensification of groundnut based cropping systems in the country in the face of ever increasing evident climate variabilities.
This book is dedicated to the global Conservation Agriculture movement but particularly to all th... more This book is dedicated to the global Conservation Agriculture movement but particularly to all the pioneer farmers, researchers and extension agents as well as all the champions in the public, private and civil sectors and in the donor community who are making Conservation Agriculture a global reality.
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Papers by Ram A. Jat
change mitigation and adaptation work undertaken
by ICRISAT. The effects of climate change are
already being experienced in several parts of the
world. Even though the effects of climate change will
be felt over all kinds of agricultural production systems,
they will be more pronounced in dryland areas
where agriculture is totally dependent on rainfall.
Simulation output analyses reveal that crop yield will
decrease due to climate change and variability in drylands,
but this can be mitigated in large parts by the
application of existing knowledge on crop, soil and
water management, and by re-targeting and redeployment
of the existing germplasms of the crops in
the medium term (2010–2050). Integrated watershed
management is an important tool to mitigate the
climate change effects through soil conservation,
improved water availability and other secondary
benefits. Similarly, conservation agriculture practices
under the integrated genetic and natural resources
management strategy can help minimize the adverse
effects of climate change on dryland agricultural productivity.
In view of the meager information available on sulphur nutrition in a popular intercropping system of pigeonpea +
groundnut. A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2003 and 2004 to evaluate the response of pigeonpea
[Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] + groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) intercropping system to FYM and S fertilization. Application
of FYM at 5.0 t/ha significantly increased the yield and yield attributes, nutrient (NPK) uptake in
pigeonpea and groundnut, system productivity (1.71 t/ha), net returns (Rs 18,287) and available S in soil after harvest
(15.72 kg/ha). However, B: C ratio was higher with crop receiving no FYM. Intercropping failed to influence
the yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake in pigeonpea, however, system productivity, net income and B: C ratio
was higher in pigeonpea + groundnut system. The available soil S after harvest of crop(s) was lower in
pigeonpea + groundnut system (13.11 kg/ha) when compared with sole pigeonpea (17.06 kg/ha). Application of
sulphur at 35 and 70 kg/ ha, being on par, recorded significant increase in yield and nutrient uptake in pigeonpea
and groundnut, system productivity and total net income over no S. The available soil S after harvest of crop (s)
was higher with 70 kg S/ha. The S use efficiency indices were higher at lower i.e. 35 kg S/ha. Among the sources
of sulphur, cosavet recorded higher yield and yield attributes, nutrient uptake and S use efficiency. However, the
highest soil available S at harvest (19.34 kg/ha) was recorded with elemental S applied at 70 kg/ ha, while the
highest net income (Rs 20,431) and B: C ratio (2.0) were achieved with gypsum at 35 kg S/ha.
Talks by Ram A. Jat
change mitigation and adaptation work undertaken
by ICRISAT. The effects of climate change are
already being experienced in several parts of the
world. Even though the effects of climate change will
be felt over all kinds of agricultural production systems,
they will be more pronounced in dryland areas
where agriculture is totally dependent on rainfall.
Simulation output analyses reveal that crop yield will
decrease due to climate change and variability in drylands,
but this can be mitigated in large parts by the
application of existing knowledge on crop, soil and
water management, and by re-targeting and redeployment
of the existing germplasms of the crops in
the medium term (2010–2050). Integrated watershed
management is an important tool to mitigate the
climate change effects through soil conservation,
improved water availability and other secondary
benefits. Similarly, conservation agriculture practices
under the integrated genetic and natural resources
management strategy can help minimize the adverse
effects of climate change on dryland agricultural productivity.
In view of the meager information available on sulphur nutrition in a popular intercropping system of pigeonpea +
groundnut. A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2003 and 2004 to evaluate the response of pigeonpea
[Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] + groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) intercropping system to FYM and S fertilization. Application
of FYM at 5.0 t/ha significantly increased the yield and yield attributes, nutrient (NPK) uptake in
pigeonpea and groundnut, system productivity (1.71 t/ha), net returns (Rs 18,287) and available S in soil after harvest
(15.72 kg/ha). However, B: C ratio was higher with crop receiving no FYM. Intercropping failed to influence
the yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake in pigeonpea, however, system productivity, net income and B: C ratio
was higher in pigeonpea + groundnut system. The available soil S after harvest of crop(s) was lower in
pigeonpea + groundnut system (13.11 kg/ha) when compared with sole pigeonpea (17.06 kg/ha). Application of
sulphur at 35 and 70 kg/ ha, being on par, recorded significant increase in yield and nutrient uptake in pigeonpea
and groundnut, system productivity and total net income over no S. The available soil S after harvest of crop (s)
was higher with 70 kg S/ha. The S use efficiency indices were higher at lower i.e. 35 kg S/ha. Among the sources
of sulphur, cosavet recorded higher yield and yield attributes, nutrient uptake and S use efficiency. However, the
highest soil available S at harvest (19.34 kg/ha) was recorded with elemental S applied at 70 kg/ ha, while the
highest net income (Rs 20,431) and B: C ratio (2.0) were achieved with gypsum at 35 kg S/ha.